Canada embarked on its second wave of cannabis legalization, which added edibles, extracts and topicals for recreational consumption to the public, on October 17, 2019. A limited selection of products will begin to appear in Alberta’s retail locations and on AlbertaCannabis.org throughout January, 2020, and beyond.
WHAT'S BEEN LEGALIZED
Edibles: ‘Edibles’ refers to any foods or drinks that contain cannabis in a form that can be ingested, rather than smoked or vaporized. Digestion has to take place for the edible cannabis to have any effect. This slower process means there is a risk of consuming too much at one time. Offset time – or how long the edibles effects will last – can also be unpredictable.
Extracts and Concentrates: ‘Extracts’ are highly concentrated cannabis extracts. Ingested or inhaled concentrates can legally carry a maximum of 1,000 mg of THC per package.
No extracts or concentrates can include:
- added vitamins or minerals
- nicotine
- caffeine
- sugars, sweeteners or colours
Topicals: Some cannabis products can be used through the skin, hair or nails. Topicals are extracts prepared with alcohol, oil or wax and applied to the skin, including lotions, creams, lip balms and bath bombs.
REMEMBER
Like dried cannabis flower, edibles and cannabis concentrates have different effects on each person. All users should start low and go slow. If you’re new to cannabis look for a product containing 2.5 mg of THC or less, or 10% THC (100 mg/g) or less — and an equal or higher amount of CBD.
Make sure you read and follow any directions included with your product.
Cannabis products harm children and pets. Lock your grow space and products and dispose of waste safely.
- Store in a locked location out of sight and reach of children and youth
- If cannabis is taken by children, call Poison and Drug Information Services (PADIS) at 1-800-332-1414
- Can be harmful to pets so call a vet if your pets get into your cannabis.
More information:
AlbertaCannabis.org - Responsible Use
Health Canada
Canadian Centre on Substance Use and Addiction
Alberta Health Services